I've heard the cat gear drives are actually pretty good pieces.
The only geardrives i have heard of being a problem are the pete jackson dual idlers on the big blocks chewing themselves up, but they dont work on a smallblock so that's not an issue.
Price is not a good indicator of whether something is good or bad.
I have payed a lot of money for things in the past that were supposed to be good and sucked.
How much should a thrust plate, cam gear, crank gear and idler cost before you'll use it? I'll sell you one for 800 bucks. It'll be the best one you ever owned! I promise!:-D